Thanks everyone for A: taking the time to read the world\'s longest post, and B: for giving some sound opinions.
Just to clear up a couple of recurring things:
1: \'Hypothetically\' the argument was not so much an argument, but lets say \'hypothetically\' the rules clearly stated you could enter Forgeworld models in the vehicle category, and on the day had been told it had to be entered in Open because it wasn\'t a GW miniature... Being realistic... Open is a hell of am jump and we all have to be realistic about what we can achieve. If you had hyporthetically got the rules there with you... wouldn\'t you show them to the judges and insist they re-consider following the rules they set out? it was (hypothetically) a well mannered, heated, discussion... there were no raised voices and no foul language.
2: No, I know there is no realistic recourse and I know the people on this forum can\'t do anything... and yes, voting with your feet is the option that has already sprung to mind... but has also been diregarded. I guess, as others have said... it\'s nice to just vent your spleen to others who may have had similar experiences, just to know you aren\'t alone.
3: \'hypothetically\' asking the judges why a decision was made to learn from it and improve is already something being done, though on the day (of our hyporthetical scenario) the language barrier may have been an issue.
I know people are forever whining about GD being rigged, unfair and generally down to luck and being a friend of the judges... and it makes me feel less singled out to hear that others have had even worse experiences... and I also (as stated) realise that I may well come across as a whining bad looser for even bringing it up... and accept that... but it was important for me to discuss it with other painters, who I respect and who have greater experience and knowledge than I do (that\'s you lot on here) in order to help me get to grips with it and move on... and you have helped.
I am gonna post some new mini\'s on here today... obviously the hypothetical entry in question won\'t be amoungst them, what with it being only hypothetical and all.
All the best... and thanks again to everyone.
Ben